The 47th Pacific Coast Amateur is slated for July 23-26 at Capilano Golf and Country Club in West Vancouver, B.C.

Jere Pelletier

July 5, 2013

UTEP golfer Jere Pelletier has earned a spot in the field of the Pacific Coast Amateur after winning the New Mexico/West Texas Amateur last weekend in Albuquerque.

The 47th Pacific Coast Amateur is slated for July 23-26 at Capilano Golf and Country Club in West Vancouver, B.C.

Pelletier, who will be a junior with the Miners this fall, shot a 14-under-par 202 (66-68-68) to capture the championship of the New Mexico/West Texas Amateur June 28-30. He edged runner-up Sam Saunders (67-69-68-204) by two strokes.

"It meant a lot to me to win that tournament, knowing that my dad [Mark Pelletier] won it twice," Pelletier said. "A lot of great players have won it. I was definitely on top of my game. That's the most under par that I have ever been, and it was my lowest three-day total for sure.

"I'm really looking forward to the Pacific Coast Amateur. I have always wanted to play in it, but have struggled to find ways to get in. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to prove myself out there."

Incoming UTEP freshman Isaac Merry, a Las Cruces native, finished third at the event by carding a 206 (68-66-72), and former Miner Devin Miertschin tied for ninth place (75-69-68-212).

Past winners of the New Mexico/West Texas Amateur include Tommy Armour III, Bart Bryant, Rich Beem, D.J. Brigman and others who have won a combined $28 million on professional tours.

Pelletier ranked second on the Miners in scoring average last season (74.5) and was the team's top finisher at three tournaments. He picked up three top-20 finishes, including landing 14th at the Conference USA Championship.